Lockdogg

TOKYO, July 12 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co. (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday it would stop making the NSX model, putting to rest its priciest product, which in 1990 became the first Japanese super sports car to compete with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

Japan's third-biggest auto maker, which initially launched the NSX to showcase its racing technology, said it was developing a new sports car that would, unlike the NSX, meet stricter U.S. and European emissions regulations to be introduced next year.

A spokesman declined to provide further information on the next sports car, including when production would start.

The hand-made, all-aluminium NSX has sold about 18,500 units since its debut 15 years ago, and it is Honda's highest-priced model, ranging between 9.66 million and 13.55 million yen

($86,500-$121,300).

After peaking at 8,422 units in 1991, sales of the NSX, sold under the Acura premium brand in North America, have steadily declined, totalling just 235 units last year.

Honda said it would halt production of Europe-bound NSX cars in September, and of those bound for Japan and North America in December.

The NSX is built at Honda's domestic Suzuka factory, which also makes the S2000 compact sports car and Insight hybrid model.

Damn, its about time.

It's an ok car and all but, you have to call it quits sooner or later. 15 years with basically the same chassis design. Come on. I wonder what their next flagship model will be. HSX anyone?

kevin2006rhs

I always liked the car and had a turn to drive one a few times (uncle's dealership). I have always admired how the car preformed when it came to handeling, the NSX however was never a winner when it came to acceleration. And it wasnot worth $80,000, I don't care who you are. I haven't even bought one new in GT4

I could get one later in life and be happy because I would be buying it used, but never new would just be insane.

Touge

As good a car as it was, I think it was a bit overpriced. Can't wait for prices to drop on the earlier models though. A high-revving naturally aspirated 3 litre V6 in a mid-engined supercar. Wicked! But yeah 15 years without an update apart from new lights and a capacity increase to 3.2L.

VTEC_Fiend

February 1989 - Acura unveils a new high-performance, mid-engine sportscar. The NS-X world debut takes place at the Chicago Auto Show on February 9th. "New Sportscar eXperimental" is the first supercar from Japan.

June 1989 - A select group of American automotive journalists are invited to Japan to test drive two prototypes of the exotic NSX, more than a year before its scheduled on-sale date. The exclusive trip is so far in advance that engine specifications are still tentative.

August 1990 - NSX goes on sale as a 1991 model, the first production car with an all-aluminum chassis and body. The aluminum unit body weighs only 462 pounds, 40% less than steel, with the equivalent strength.

The car is powered by 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, V-6 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, good for 270 hp, 210 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 mph time of under six seconds. Acura's breakthrough VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system also makes its U.S. debut in the NSX, solving the trade-off between low-end torque and high-RPM power. The vehicle also comes with PGM-FI, a system pioneered in Formula One racing, as well as a direct ignition system. NSX is also the first production car to use titanium connecting rods- this lightweight but strong material is also used in the F-15 supersonic fighter jet. Each car is hand-assembled by a special team of technicians at a dedicated factory in Tochigi. Production of the NSX is a maximum of 25 vehicles per day. At $65,000, the NSX is the most expensive Japanese car in history. Summer 1990 - NSX graces the cover of every major automotive "buff book" in the country.

November 1990 - In its first year, NSX garners an impressive list of accolades, including:

1993 - A third consecutive championship win in the Acura-Spice GTP Lights race car makes Parker Johnstone the most winning driver in IMSA history.

1995 - The NSX-T features a removable roof panel, and is the first Acura to offer an optional Formula One-inspired Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.

1997 - NSX/NSX-T takes a giant step forward in performance with several major enhancements, most notably a larger, more powerful 3.2-liter DOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, producing 290 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.

1997 - Peter Cunningham wins the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) World Challenge Championship in a modified NSX.

November 1998 - Acura unveils the 1999 Alex Zanardi Edition NSX at the Miami International Auto Show. Available only as a hard-top coupe, the signature series car takes its name from the two-time CART open-wheel racing championship driver. Only 49 copies of this limited edition model are available, featuring a revised suspension and exclusive interior and exterior styling cues. The Zanardi edition is also 149 pounds lighter and comes exclusively in Formula Red.

2000 - NSX receives a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) certification from the Air Resources Board, a testament to Acura's innovation and industry-leading technology.

2002 - NSX receives an exterior refresh with new front and rear fascias including HID Xenon fixed-mount headlights and revised taillights. In addition, the NSX also receives a revised suspension and larger wheels and tires.

quackaddict

I'd use an older one as a daily driver if it weren't for the rear tires having to be replaced every 12,000 or so miles. They do have pretty good value retention and are well built. But I'd only use one as a daily driver. It wouldn't be anything I'd consider modifying, or racing.

willsradio

It was a good car. Though I agree with every1 else the price was a pain in the ass. I first remember noticing it in Gran Turismo and thinking it was too expensive for the horse power that it had. But the style was awesome, I can't wait to see the replacement.

I dont care if it's a friggin' ferrari, i'm not going to pay $80,000+ for only 270 horsepower. I'm glad it's going away.

Since when is horsepower everything? And while it is expensive its got the engineering to back it up.

since cars were invented

i kid, i kid.

you pay $80,000+ for a car with 270hp when that 270hp can propel the 3000 pound car to 60mph in around 5 seconds.

That is still sad when I can buy a 300hp car that does 0-100kmh in 4.7sec, weighs 3263lbs, and has years of WRC chanpionship history for $30,000usd. Gotta love the Impreza STi.

Seriously, there are many other cars that have a racing backed production. And the sad part is that there are better cars out thatt that, not only do not have a major racing history, but are in the $20-50,000 in price.

When it comes down to it, for the quality car it is, it still wont ever be worth no $90g. F1 engineering or not

VTEC_Fiend

This car was only $65,000 USD when it had 270hp, the price climbed slowly over the years and hit $80,000+ after it got a boost to 290hp. The price was particularly high because it was hand assembled with high quality materials and low production (not to mention imported). I would have to say I would still buy one if I had the money, even thought you can get alot more bang for that kind of buck. I think it's one of the most beautiful looking cars out there, but if I got one I would probably get a Comptech supercharger for it for more balls (probably another $15,000-20,000 USD in total).

Mav.

Acura is developing a new supercar to replace the current NSX, which ceases production at the end of 2005. Extensive retooling is needed to meet the more stringent 2006 emissions requirements for the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The NSX was the first Japanese supercar. It was a hand-built, exotic, mid-engine sports car that sold more than 18,000 units worldwide during its 15 year production run.

Rollies77

Sweet car. I've always love its boxy chassis. Never really care for horse power for I judge cars by looks. But Hondas were always pricey if you compare them with their Jap competitors.

About the discontinued production...I think it's about time. Not really glad or sad about it, but the NSX will always be a legendary supercar. Take Toyota Supra for instance. After its last production in 1998, it is still one of the greatest sports car there is today.

And of the new Honda supercar, I hope they won't refer it too much to the NSX. It would be better just to start a whole new saga for the new car. Cos I hate what Mazda did to RX8 (in visual). I still think RX7 is the better car.

I don't know, I seem to start to loose interest in new cars. They all look ridiculous. They all seem to adapt alien-craft or something. 80's sports cars are the most exotic, specially Countach. (lol, Countach is an aliencraft adapted vehicle ).